Story Summary
Discover the legend of The Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage. Follow Liu Bei's humble journey to recruit Zhuge Liang to restore peace to ancient China.
During the chaotic decline of the Han Dynasty, the warlord Liu Bei sought a strategist to restore peace to the land. Hearing of a brilliant sage named Zhuge Liang living in a secluded thatched cottage on Longzhong mountain, Liu Bei set out with his sworn brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Their first journey was in vain; the sage was away. Months later, during a harsh winter storm, they returned, only to find the cottage empty once more. Despite his brothers' growing frustration and the biting cold, Liu Bei remained undeterred. On their third attempt in the spring, they arrived to find Zhuge Liang napping. Rather than wake him, Liu Bei stood patiently outside the door for hours. When the sage finally awoke, he was so moved by Liu Bei’s profound humility and unwavering persistence that he agreed to leave his life of seclusion. This partnership transformed the fate of China, proving that true leaders must honor wisdom with genuine sincerity.
The Moral
True leadership requires the humility to seek out talent and the persistence to prove one's sincerity.
“To find a man of great talent, one must show the heart of a humble student.”
Fun Fact
The story is so influential that the site of the original cottage is still debated between two Chinese cities, both of which claim the historical landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage?
It teaches that sincerity and humility are necessary to earn the loyalty of truly gifted individuals. By waiting patiently, Liu Bei proved he valued Zhuge Liang's wisdom more than his own status.
Who was Zhuge Liang in Chinese history?
Zhuge Liang, known as the 'Crouching Dragon,' was a legendary strategist and statesman. He is celebrated for his immense intellect and his pivotal role in establishing the Kingdom of Shu Han.
Is this story historically accurate?
While the historical 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' confirms Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang, the dramatic detail of exactly three visits was popularized by the classic novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.'
Why did Liu Bei's brothers get angry during the visits?
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were fierce warriors who felt their brother, a noble lord, was being disrespected by a common hermit. They did not initially understand the value of intellectual strategy over brute force.
What does the idiom 'San Gu Mao Lu' mean?
This four-character idiom literally translates to 'three visits to the thatched cottage.' It is used in modern Chinese to describe the act of repeatedly and sincerely inviting someone to take up a position.
How did Zhuge Liang change Liu Bei's fortunes?
Before meeting Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei lacked a clear territorial base and strategic vision. Zhuge Liang provided the 'Longzhong Plan,' which allowed Liu Bei to establish a powerful kingdom.